Santa Barbara City College Academic Standards & Policies

Grades & Grade Points

The system of grades and grade points at Santa Barbara City College is as follows:

*At least satisfactory—units not counted in GPA; credit earned.

**Less than satisfactory—units not counted in GPA; NC units used in calculating units attempted for progress, probation and dismissal.

***Non-evaluative symbols—no units or credit earned.

The instructor’s grades are permanent. Except in the case of an "I" or clerical error, instructors cannot change a grade once it has been accepted by the Admissions and Records Office. Grades may not be revised by the instructor on the basis of a second trial, new examination, or additional work undertaken or completed after the date of the end-semester report.

Credit/No Credit Grading
Students may elect credit/no credit grading in any course listed in the General Catalog, with the consent of the instructor, no later than the fifth week (30% length of the class for classes not full-term) of the semester (first week during Summer Session). After the fifth week, neither the student nor the instructor may change the decision. Credit will be granted only when the work is of a quality equivalent to a grade of "C" or better. Credit/no credit grading is not permitted in a course within a student’s major area of study.

Incompletes
An incomplete or "I" symbol will be awarded the student who, in the judgment of the instructor, has not completed or cannot complete a course in the specified time for a verified, unforeseeable emergency, but who has the probability of doing so before the end of the following semester. An "Incomplete Form" covers the conditions for removal of the "I" and the grade assigned in lieu of its removal. A final grade will be assigned when the work stipulated has been completed and evaluated. Once the time limit for completing the work has passed, the grade predetermined by the instructor, as noted on the Incomplete contract, will be assigned, or the grade will be recorded as an "F." A student may petition the Scholastic Standards Committee (forms in Room SS-110) for a time extension due to unusual circumstances.

Final Examinations
Final examinations on the entire semester’s work are given at the close of each semester. Students are required to take scheduled final examinations at the appointed times and places in order to secure credit. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Dean of Educational Programs (SS-134). Absence due to illness must be verified by a physician.

Repeated Courses
Whenever a course in which a substandard grade (D, F, or NC) has been received is repeated at SBCC and completed with a grade other than "W," the original grade remains part of the transcript. The original grade and course units are offset with parentheses and a footnote which is referenced on the reverse side of the transcript. Units and grade points for the original grade are excluded from the GPA calculation. (Note: A student must request this action). Courses in which a student has received a grade of D, F, or NC may be repeated only once. Those courses in which a student has received a "C" grade, or better, may not be repeated. Exceptions to this policy are listed under "Course Repetition Policy" in this Catalog.

Audits
Students may audit a course with instructor permission if the student has taken the course the maximum number of times allowable. Audit cards must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office by the end of the third week of the semester (first week during Summer Session).

Credit by Examination
Credit by examination may be granted to students who are registered and in good standing (2.0 G.P.A.) at Santa Barbara City College for proficiency in subject matter essentially equivalent to a course for which credit is being requested. Students may petition for credit by examination provided the course is listed in the General Catalog, the amount of credit is not greater than the amount listed for the course, and the respective department designates the course as suitable for credit by examination. Credit may not be granted for any course for which high school or college credit has been awarded.

The petition for credit by examination may be obtained in the Admissions and Records Office and shall be submitted to the appropriate department chairperson. Although examinations may be written prior to the completion of 15 units, no credit shall be posted on the student’s record until after 15 units have been earned at Santa Barbara City College. A maximum of 12 units may be obtained by examination.

Students must petition for credit by examination by the end of the third week of the semester. Credit by examination shall be reported to the Admissions and Records Office by the department chairperson no later than the end of the eighth week of the semester in which credit is granted.
Type and content of examination to be administered to students are at the discretion of the appropriate department chairperson. A minimum grade of "C" must be earned on the examination.
Units granted apply only to the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees at Santa Barbara City College. Transfer students wishing credit by examination at four-year institutions may be required to petition such institutions in conformance with their policies.

High School Articulation
High School students may earn college credit for high school and ROP courses and enter SBCC at an advanced level in the following programs . . .
Automotive Service & Technology

For more information, contact Dr. Diane Hollems, Dean, Educational Programs, ext. 2915.

Advanced Placement
Students who have completed Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board with scores of 3, 4, or 5 may receive credit at Santa Barbara City College for each advanced placement course as listed in the table on the next page.

A grade of Credit (CR) will be assigned on the transcript. Credit awarded through advanced placement MAY be used to satisfy graduation requirements toward the Associate Degree, IGETC and CSU General Education-Breadth requirements.

The units earned from AP credit will not apply toward financial aid nor can they be used to satisfy the 15-unit residency requirement for graduation.

Students must petition for AP credit by the end of the 9th week of the semester (3rd week in Summer) and present to the Admissions and Records Office an official copy of the Advanced Placement Grade Report.

Transfer students should check with their receiving institution about policies for using AP examination scores and credits toward meeting admission and or graduation requirements. Independent Study

independent Study

Santa Barbara City College offers the traditional types of independent study courses (numbered 299), as well as work experience courses (numbered 290), which may include educational activities in performance of service to the college or community.

Independent study courses provide opportunities for students to explore a subject in depth beyond what is possible in existing courses. A student may enroll in a maximum of four (4) units per semester of independent study; however, the transfer student should consider the policy of the four-year institution of choice regarding the number of units of independent study which may be earned each semester.

To be eligible for independent study, a student must have completed a minimum of 12 units at Santa Barbara City College, with a 2.5 G.P.A., and a minimum of six (6) units, with a 3.0 G.P.A. within the department.

Each student is responsible for acquainting him/herself with department requirements and prerequisites, and for presenting his/her plan for study or project to an appropriate instructor. Instructors need not accept students on independent study, as their assignments may preclude additional responsibility.

Students who wish to enroll in independent study course work should contact the Admissions Office to obtain the required form. The form must be signed by the instructor of record and the department chairperson. They should be returned to the Admissions and Records Office by the end of the second week of the semester (first week for Summer) for official enrollment.

Classification of Students
Full-time Student: Carries 12 or more units (4 units in Summer).
Half-time Student: Carries at least six units.
Freshman Student: Has earned fewer than 30 units of college credit.
Sophomore Student: Has earned 30 or more units of college credit, but does not hold a degree.

Change of Program
Enrolled students may change their programs during a designated period at the beginning of each semester. Students may add semester-length courses during the first two weeks of the semester only (instructor approval required). Withdrawals may be made at any time up to, and including, the last day to drop semester-length classes (end of the 10th week). For information about adding and dropping Summer and all other classes, please consult the Schedule of Classes, or obtain information from the Admissions and Records Office.
The change is not official until the change form is completely filled out, approved and processed in the Admissions and Records Office.

Withdrawals (Semester-Length Classes)

1. 1. A student may initiate a withdrawal from class at any time prior to the end of the 9th week. Students are encouraged to consult with the instructor concerning the withdrawal, but the instructor may not withhold the "W".
2. An instructor may drop a student for excessive unexcused absences at any time prior to the end of the 9th week of the semester. Absence is considered excessive if a student misses more than the equivalent of one week of classes during the semester. After the 10th week, the instructor must give a grade (A-F, or CR/NC), if appropriate forms are on file.
3. A student who remains in a class beyond the end of the 9th week must receive a grade other than a "W".
4. The "W" shall not be used in calculating grade point averages, but excessive "W"s shall be used as a factor in progress probation and disqualification procedures
5. If a student officially withdraws during the first three weeks of the semester (first week in Summer), no entry will be recorded on the transcript.
6. A student activated for military service may receive a military withdrawal (WM) at any time during the semester. Military withdrawals will not factor into progress probation and disqualification.
7. Official Withdrawal
   If a student must withdraw from college/classes, he/she may do so by filing an official withdrawal card available in the Admissions and Records Office by the end of the 10th week of the semester for semester-length classes. Withdrawal dates for Summer classes and courses less than semester-length vary. Information regarding a specific class is available from Admissions. Students failing to officially withdraw will receive a grade.

Grade Reports
Final grades will be available from the Admissions and Records Office about two weeks after the completion of the semester. Final grades will not be released if there is a hold or fine on file at the Cashier’s Office.

President’s Honor Roll
Each semester, Santa Barbara City College includes on the President’s Honor Roll (Full-Time) the names of those students who have completed 12 units of letter-graded courses with a grade point average of 3.5, or better. In addition, those students who have completed 18 graded units at Santa Barbara City College with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5, and have completed a minimum of 6 graded units with a 3.5 G.P.A. during the semester are included on the President’s Honor Roll (Part-Time). Credit/No Credit grades are not considered. At graduation, A.A./A.S. Degree candidates with a 3.5 cum G.P.A. will receive special recognition as graduating with honors.

Transfer Achievement Certificate
The Transfer Achievement Certificate is awarded to any student who has completed a minimum of 24 units at Santa Barbara City College prior to transfer and has presented a letter of acceptance from an accredited four-year college or university. An application must be submitted by the student to the Transfer Center.

Probation & Disqualification
Academic Probation
A student who has attempted at least 12 semester units, as shown by the official academic record, shall be placed on academic probation if the student has earned a grade point average below 2.00 in all units at Santa Barbara City College.

A student on academic probation shall be removed from probation when the student’s accumulated grade point average is 2.00 or higher.

Academic Disqualification

A student who is on academic probation shall be subject to disqualification if the student has earned a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.00 in all units attempted in each of two (2) consecutive semesters. (For purposes of this section, semesters shall be considered consecutive on the basis of the student’s enrollment; i.e., a fall semester followed by a fall semester shall be consecutive if the student was not enrolled for the intervening spring semester.)

Exception: When a student earns a G.P.A. of 2.00 or higher for the current semester and has completed a minimum of six (6) units, he/she will be permitted to continue for one more semester to meet SBCC standards.

Progress Probation
A student who has enrolled in a cumulative total of at least 12 semester units since Summer 1983 at Santa Barbara City College, as shown by the official academic record, shall be placed on progress probation when the percentage of the cumulative units for which entries of W, I and NC are recorded reaches or exceeds fifty per cent (50%). The student will be removed from probation when the percentage of units in this category drops below 50%.

A student who has been placed on progress probation shall be subject to disqualification when W, I and NC are recorded in 50% or more of the cumulative units in which he/she has enrolled for two (2) consecutive semesters.

Exception: If a student completes more than 50% of the units taken during the current semester and has completed a minimum of six (6) units, he/she will be permitted to continue for one more semester to meet SBCC progress standards.

Readmission after Disqualification
Both academic and progress/withdrawal disqualification are effective at the end of the semester. A student shall be notified that he/she has been disqualified or subject to disqualification. A student may be disqualified for one semester and then, after one semester not in attendance, reapply for admission.

A student may appeal the disqualification by petitioning the Scholastic Standards Committee through the Dean, Educational Programs.

Exceptions to Disqualification
Extenuating circumstances, such as, but not limited to, medical, psychological and legal reasons, and evidence of benefit, are considered.

Academic Renewal
Courses in which students have previously received substandard grades and which are inappropriate to the student’s present educational objectives may be waived when a student-initiated petition has been approved by the Scholastic Standards Committee. A student may request academic renewal for not more than two consecutive semesters of substandard (below 2.0) work completed at SBCC. The student may choose to have either (1) all coursework taken in the terms(s) disregarded in the computation of G.P.A.; or (2) select substandard (D or F) coursework taken in the terms disregarded in the computation of G.P.A. At least two years must have elapsed since completion of the most recent coursework to be disregarded. A student shall have accumulated 24 units with a 2.5 G.P.A., or 36 units with a 2.0 G.P.A. at SBCC and/or another college (transcripts required) since the end of the semester(s) in which courses are to be disregarded. Academic renewal may be applied for only once. Further information may be obtained from the Counseling Center.

Full-Time Course Load
The full-time course load for the community college student is 12 units per semester. With 12 units per semester, it will take a minimum of five (5) semesters to complete a program. Permission to enroll for a program in excess of 18 units may be approved by a counselor, when a student has maintained a 3.0 grade point average (G.P.A.). Those students who have not maintained a 3.0 grade point average and who wish to carry in excess of 18 units may appeal in writing to the Scholastic Standards Committee. A student who is working or who has a health problem should make a proportionate course load adjustment.
During Summer Session, students may enroll in a maximum of eight (8) units for the six-week session.

How Many Units Should You Carry?
A major consideration for students, particularly first-time students and those returning to college after a lengthy absence, is determination of an appropriate course load for their first semester. While the number of courses one can handle during a semester varies among individuals, experience indicates that, for most students, typical SBCC lecture courses require two hours of outside preparation for each hour in class. Thus, a 12-unit course load, for example, represents a commitment of 36 hours per week—comprised of 12 hours in class and 24 hours of outside preparation.

Students who plan to work while attending Santa Barbara City College need to establish a realistic course load that takes into account the demands of both work and school. If you work full-time, you are advised, during your first semester, to limit your enrollment to six or seven units—or two classes. If you work 20 hours per week, as most students do, you are advised to limit your course load to 12 to 14 units. Through careful planning of workload, you can maximize your potential for performing successfully in your classes.

Special Program Unit Limitations
A minimum number of units must be taken for the
following programs

Transcripts to Other Colleges
Upon request of a student, an official transcript of the student’s record at Santa Barbara City College will be sent to any college or university. The first two copies are free; however, a $3.00 fee is charged for each additional copy. All transcript requests must be made in writing to the Admissions and Records Office. Transcript requests are processed in the order they are received. However, a student may pay an additional fees and receive a hand-carry transcript.

Attendance
All students admitted to Santa Barbara City College are expected to be punctual and to attend regularly. Instructors may withdraw a student at any time for excessive absences. As a guideline, absence is considered excessive if a student misses three (3) meetings, or the equivalent of one week of class.

Absence due to illness may be accepted as excused absence for a limited period of time. Students are expected to make appointments for medical and dental treatments at times other than when classes are scheduled.

Academic Due Process
Procedures for due process are described in the District’s Standards of Conduct for Members of the College Community and Guidelines for Due Process. The Student Planning Guide, available at the Counseling Center, is distributed to all students during advising sessions and contains information regarding due process.

Student Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the college’s published Standards of Student Conduct. A student who violates these standards may be subject to disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college.

Revisions of Regulations
Requirements for graduation, fees, and other regulations and policies are subject to change without notice, and will be effective for all students as changed.

Field Trip & Excursion Policy
Throughout each semester and summer session, the Santa Barbara Community College District may sponsor voluntary off-campus, co-curricular field trips and excursions. If you choose to participate, you should be aware that, pursuant to the California State Code of Regulations, Sub-Chapter 5, Section 55450, you have agreed to hold the District, its officers, agents and employees harmless from any and all liability or claims which may arise out of, or be in connection with, your participation in the activity.

Transfer
The large majority of SBCC courses have been reviewed and approved for transfer by four-year colleges and universities through formal articulation agreements. Articulation agreements are available in the Transfer Center and identify which courses apply to General Education and lower division requirements at four-year universities.

Student Retention Rate
In compliance with Chapter I of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 178.4(f), data regarding student retention and enrollment patterns may be obtained by contacting the Director of Institutional Assessment, Research and Planning.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The Santa Barbara Community College District and Santa Barbara City College, in compliance with California State law and regulations, Titles VI and VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, status as Vietnam-era veteran, sexual orientation, ethnic group identification, creed or national origin in any of its policies, procedures, or practices.

This non-discrimination policy covers admission, access and treatment in college programs and activities—including, but not limited to, academic admissions, financial aid, educational services and athletics—and applications for, and treatment in, college employment.

In conformance with the requirements of Title II of the Educational Amendments of 1976, amending the Vocational Education Act of 1963, the college is committed to overcoming sex discrimination and sex stereotyping in vocational education programs

Furthermore, in compliance with the Vocational Education Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex and Handicap, lack of English language skills alone will not be a barrier to admission to, and participation in, vocational education programs. Any screening procedures for vocational programs will evaluate, as criteria for admission, skill levels and proficiencies pertinent to the program.

Students intending to file a complaint regarding any action which they believe discriminates against them on the grounds of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability, may contact Jane Craven, Dean of Educational Programs, 965-0581, ext. 2352, for further information and procedures.

Employees who require additional information on the policy and procedures may contact Vice President Susan Ehrlich, Human Resources and Legal Affairs, Room SS-230 (ext. 2261).

If you are a student and you require additional information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact the ADA/504/DSPS Coordinator in Room SS-160 (965-0581, ext. 2365 [voice], or 968-8411 [TTY: hearing-impaired]).

If you are an employee and you require additional information, contact Pat English, Human Resources Manager in SS-230 at ext, 2434 (voice). The ADA/504 Coordinator for employees is Brian Fahnestock, Vice President of Business Services.


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